Weldon's Practical Crochet, Tenth Series eBook

Learn how to crochet mittens, capes, petticoats, quilts, chemise trimmings, and more

PieceWork magazine is pleased to present this exact reproduction (neither alterations nor corrections were made to the original published in 1889) of Weldon’s Practical Crochet. It is a fitting example of needlework and history, hand in hand.

This electronic pattern book opens a window on another time and another place. The time is the late nineteenth century and the place is London, England. Needleworkers of that era would be amazed to see their favorite crochet patterns in a virtual format of which they could never have dreamed.

In an effort to bring needlework to the emerging middle class, Weldon’s, a paper pattern producer of the Victorian era, began to publish monthly newsletters devoted to various crafts (beading, knitting, crochet, patchwork, and the like). These newsletters were typically 14 pages and cost 2 pence. Later, they were collected into book form, titled Weldon’s Practical Needlework; this series was included in Volume 5.

We have reproduced for you here the crochet material from the Tenth Series. The 17 projects range from simple to ornate and include an elaborate doll’s walking costume, doilies with lace borders, a sweet frock for a little girl, an intriguing gentleman’s mitten, and squares for quilts. The patterns are often ingenious, and many of the objects transcend the century-plus span of years since they were devised.